Community support officer jobs in epsom, surrey

Role Purpose

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the voice and public profile of one of the UK’s most impactful social justice charities. As Head of Communications, you’ll lead our communications function at a strategic level, inspiring and influencing how we share our story with the world. You’ll craft and deliver bold, creative, and inclusive communications that raise awareness of Pact’s work and help us achieve our ambitious goals. From digital campaigns and media relations to powerful storytelling and brand development, you’ll ensure our voice is clear, compelling, and deeply rooted in the lived experiences of those we serve. As a key member of the Executive Team, you will also play a vital role in shaping the overall strategic direction of the organisation, leading organisation-wide projects and championing a culture of open, values-driven communication.

Key Responsibilities

• You will provide strategic leadership for all communications activity across the charity, working closely with colleagues to develop and deliver multidisciplinary communications plans that support corporate objectives. You will be responsible for evaluating communications performance, reporting against KPIs, and using data to drive improvement. You’ll play a key role in horizon-scanning and forward planning, ensuring our messaging is proactive and responsive to external developments.

• You’ll oversee all of Pact’s digital platforms, including our social media channels and websites, as well as those for the Prisoners’ Families Helpline. You will lead the creation and delivery of compelling content to engage and grow our audiences, ensuring a dynamic and consistent presence across both organic and paid-for channels.

• Marketing and branding will be central to your remit. You’ll lead the development of high-quality, accessible and inclusive marketing materials and publications that inspire and inform stakeholders, staff, volunteers and service users. You’ll ensure the organisation maintains a strong and coherent visual and written identity, and you’ll manage a library of media assets and case studies that bring our work to life. You will also offer trusted support and guidance to colleagues and volunteers promoting Pact’s services locally.

• A core part of the role will involve amplifying the voices of people with lived experience. You’ll oversee the regular generation of powerful case studies and service user stories to be shared across internal and external channels, always ensuring ethical and inclusive storytelling.

• You’ll also contribute to the planning and promotion of key organisational events, including staff and volunteer gatherings, stakeholder roundtables and receptions.

• Ultimately, you will be the guardian of the Pact brand and the leader of our communications culture – someone who empowers others, inspires creativity, and champions clear, compassionate communication at every level.

Person Specification

• You will have significant experience in a senior communications, PR or marketing leadership role, with a proven ability to develop and evaluate impactful strategies. You’ll be an exceptional communicator with a keen eye for storytelling and audience engagement, and you’ll have experience managing digital platforms and growing audiences through content innovation.

• Strong leadership and team management skills are essential, as is a collaborative, facilitative approach that brings out the best in others. You’ll need to be a confident relationship-builder, able to influence at senior levels and build trust with stakeholders, media, and partners.

• Ideally, you will bring experience or understanding of the voluntary, criminal justice or social justice sectors. A strong grasp of inclusive communication and accessibility standards is highly desirable, along with an ethical approach to storytelling that respects and amplifies lived experience.

How to apply:

Please note - interviews will be conducted during the final week of August and the first week of September, 2025.

If you feel that you meet the requirements of this exciting new role please complete an application form by clicking the 'apply now' button.

* We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Other information:

Pact (the Prison Advice & Care Trust) is a pioneering national charity that provides caring and life changing services to men and women in prison, to people with convictions on release and in the community, and to their children and families.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome requests for job adverts and descriptions in accessible formats (for e.g. larger text) for candidates with disabilities, including those with neurodiversity. Please contact us if you require any support in engaging in our recruitment process.

Location: Two days a week in Central Office (Wandsworth / Wormwood Scrubs) with regular travel across England & Wales
Department Marketing and Communications
Job Type: Full time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £46,225 per annum £3,000 market supplement
Benefits: Generous Holiday allowance Season Ticket loan Cycle to work scheme Charity worker discounts Enhanced maternity package Wellness, inclusion, and diversity groups EAP scheme Life assurance

You may also have experience in the following: Communications Officer, Media Manager, PR, Public Relations, Public Relations Officer, Communications Manager, Marketing Communications, Campaign Manager, Project Management, Charity, Third Sector, Charities, NFP, Not for Profit, etc.

REF-222 719

Are you a fundraising expert intrigued by the idea of transforming healthcare through the power of volunteering? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you!
 
Helpforce is on a mission to revolutionise health volunteering and we need a dynamic, strategic, and results-oriented Head of Business Development to be at the forefront of this exciting journey. This is your chance to shape the future of a rapidly growing national charity, working at the intersection of innovation, impact, and social good.
 
In this role, you'll be responsible for driving the growth of our income-generating portfolio, securing new business, and forging high-value partnerships with the NHS and the broader healthcare sector. You'll also oversee the fundraising function, ensuring seamless alignment between our commercial growth and philanthropic income. This dual role is perfect for a senior professional who thrives on relationship building, business innovation, and revenue generation from both commercial and charitable sources.
 
Since our launch in 2017, we've been pioneers with a clear vision for a nation where volunteering is integral to healthcare being its very best. We collaborate closely with NHS Trusts and other healthcare organisations to co-create expert volunteering models that meet healthcare’s biggest challenges, while generating evidence that showcases the value and impact of initiatives. Our insights empower health leaders across the UK to invest in solutions that enhance patient experience, reduce pressure on staff, and bring meaningful benefits to tens of thousands of people who volunteer their time and talents.
 
This is not just any job, this is a chance to make a tangible difference to the lives of millions who receive and deliver healthcare.
 
Key Responsibilities
 
Business Development — Core Focus
 
 

• Develop and lead the business development strategy to expand market presence, secure new contracts, and grow sustainable income streams.
• Identify new markets, service offerings, and strategic partnerships that align with Helpforce’s mission and impact goals.
• Lead negotiations for contracts, partnerships, and commercial agreements.
• Oversee the preparation of bids, proposals, and tenders, working with internal teams to ensure high-quality submissions.
• Leverage Helpforce’s reputation and evidence of impact to generate new business opportunities.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to inform strategic decisions.
• Build strong commercial relationships with public sector bodies, corporate partners, and health system leaders.

 
Fundraising — Leadership Oversight
 

• Provide strategic oversight of all fundraising activities including trusts, foundations, major donors, and institutional funders.
• Directly line manage the fundraising function, providing leadership, coaching, and performance oversight.
• Support the development of high-quality funding applications, stewardship plans, and donor communications.
• Ensure fundraising activities comply with ethical standards, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with the CEO and Trustees on high-value fundraising relationships.

 
Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), contributing to organisational strategy and leadership.
• Set income targets, KPIs, and performance metrics across business development and fundraising.
• Work with Finance to monitor budgets, forecast income, and manage financial risks.
• Represent Helpforce externally at high-profile events, conferences, and with key stakeholders.

 
Relationship Management

• Build and maintain relationships with donors, funders, corporate partners, and public sector stakeholders.
• Support senior-level relationship-building with strategic funders and institutional partners, working alongside the CEO and Trustees where appropriate.

 
Person Specification
 
Essential

• Senior-level experience (7 years) in business development, commercial partnerships, or strategic fundraising,
• Experience in a non-profit, NGO, social enterprise, or impact-driven business.
• Proven track record of securing significant business contracts or partnerships.
• Strong leadership and line management experience.
• Excellent negotiation, commercial acumen, and contract management skills.
• Outstanding relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders including public sector, corporate, and philanthropic partners.
• Experience in setting and delivering income growth strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for proposals, reports, and presentations.

 
Desirable

• Sector knowledge: [e.g. healthcare, NHS].
• Knowledge of CRM systems and fundraising databases.

 
Equality and Diversity
 
Helpforce encourages applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries. We're committed to having a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. We actively encourage BAME and disabled applicants and value the positive impact that difference has on our organisation. We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and all opportunities provided by Helpforce.
 
Location: Remote, but travel to the London office will be required, as will UK wide client meetings.
Salary: c.£62,000 per annum
Benefits: Competitive
 
Closing date for applications is 21st August 2025. Please use the application link to send us your CV and a covering letter to support your application. Applications submitted without a covering letter may not be considered.
 
REF-223097

The vacancy

We are seeking to appoint one lay member to sit on our GOC Council.

About the GOC

We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance and conduct.  For more information about us please visit our website:optical. org.

About the Council

The role of Council is to lead on the GOC’s mission to protect the public by upholding high standards in eye care services.  The Council is composed of six lay members (including the Chair) and six registrant members (i.e. registered optometrists and dispensing opticians).  At least one member of the Council must work wholly or mainly in each of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  One Council member acts as a Senior Council Member whose role is to carry out the Chair’s appraisal as well as provide a sounding board for the Chair and serve as an intermediary for Council members, Executive and stakeholders as necessary. 

The successful candidate will contribute to Council by exercising oversight, ensuring effective corporate governance, and making high-level policy decisions. They will be able to operate strategically and impartially; listen, communicate, and influence effectively; exercise judgment; and inspire confidence and support amongst our stakeholders. 

Remuneration and time commitment

Council members are remunerated in accordance with our member fees policy (£13,962 per annum plus reasonable travel and subsistence expenses).  The member fee includes time for reading and preparation.

The appointed member will be expected to commit approximately 2-3 days per month.  Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices at Level 29, One Canada Square, London, E14 5AA. There are occasional online catch-up meetings - these are currently scheduled on a Tuesday evening every 6-8 weeks, from 5.30pm – 6.30pm.

How to apply:

Please email the the following to appointment@optical. org

· your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic or vocational qualifications;

· the application form, stating how your experience matches the criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and

· complete the EDI monitoring form linked in the candidate pack (this is an online form and does not need to be included in the email with your CV and application form).

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  midnight on Sunday 10 August 2025.

Online interviews will be held on between Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 October 2025.

If you have any questions, please email them to appointment@optical. org and we will aim to respond to you within 48 hours. 

We welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds as these are currently under-represented on our council and committees.

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity and geographical locations outside of London.

Strategic litigation is core to Liberty’s work.  Our lawyers work closely with the rest of the organisation using casework and legal advice to help Liberty reach its strategic goals.  You will be responsible for running a small caseload of strategic litigation, conducting interventions and providing specialist human rights advice.  A large part of the role is identifying and then scoping potential cases, working closely with other organisations to develop the litigation in a collaborative and creative way.

If you are interested in a job that involves innovative legal work in the NGO sector, we would like to hear from you. We have deliberately not included a requirement for a certain level of PQE in the selection criteria as we are keen to hear from candidates with pre-qualification experience, including experience outside the legal sector.  We are also interested in more experienced applicants who may not see themselves as a human rights lawyer, but are interested in moving into this area.

Liberty fully embraces flexible working and is committed to employee development. We aim to encourage people from all backgrounds to work with us and are particularly interested in hearing from people from minority backgrounds and all socio-economic sections of society.

Closing date: 9am Monday 4 August 2025

First Round Interviews:   11 & 12 August 2025

Second Round Interviews: 19 August 2025

(flexibility is available should candidates be unable to make these interview dates)

For more information and details on how to apply please visit our website